Lions: Detroit should make re-signing Danny Amendola a priority

It’s in the Detroit Lions’ best interest to retain slot receiver Danny Amendola for one more year.

Danny Amendola is a pending free agent.  I can’t help but wonder if he’s got eyes on a reunion with Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.  The Pats struggled to find anyone aside from Julian Edleman or James White, who could regularly make a play in the passing game.  The Detroit Lions should re-sign Amendola before he starts to weigh his options.

With Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones each entering the final year of their current agreement, it’s unlikely the Lions sign both to contract extensions.  Detroit will make Golladay, who led the NFL in touchdown receptions (11) during the 2020 season, a priority.

Marvin Jones had a tremendous season in his own right scoring nine touchdowns in ’20 is a player Detroit may shop around this offseason or perhaps leading up to the week eight trade deadline IF the Lions are not in playoff contention.  The Lions have Marvin Hall, who, in all likelihood, will play a more significant role within the offense next season.

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Certainly, Marvin Hall isn’t Marvin Jones, but he’s a player that proved with his seven catches totaling a whopping 261 yards, including a score can stretch the field.

Danny Amendola is the perfect mid-level option for a healthy Matthew Stafford in the passing game.  At this point, Detroit doesn’t have a replacement for his 62 grabs, 678 yards out of the slot.  Sure, T.J. Hockenson is expected to excel at the tight end position; he will make the majority of his catches running similar routes as Amendola. But he’s often asked to stay in and help pass block especially if Detroit decides to stay with Rick Wagner at right tackle.

Detroit will have an opportunity to draft  Jerry Jeudy in the NFL Draft.  He’s the top receiver coming out. He’s been compared to Julio Jones by many.  That’s not a fair assessment for the young man, Julio is one of the top pass catchers’ in the entire league, but his potential is something to be excited about.

It’s something many people will balk at with Detroit having a plethora of needs throughout their roster.  But consider this; the defense isn’t just one player away from becoming elite.  The ship has sprung multiple leaks.  If Chase Young isn’t available, Detroit may decide to select Jeudy for one reason; to try and outscore everyone else.

By drafting Jeudy, you’ve all but guaranteed to have a Golladay/Jeudy tandem for a minimum of five years, which is, in all likelihood, the duration of Matthew Stafford’s career.  If Detroit decided to retain Amendola for a year and hold onto Marvin Jones for one more season, think of the dynamic offense Darrell Bevell would have at his disposal.

Amendola is coming off of a one-year $4.25 million deal.  The 34-year old may also be contemplating retirement, but if he were to return, I’d expect he’d be seeking a similar agreement. Amendola’s passion and leadership are traits the Detroit Lions desperately seek throughout their roster.

One more thing to keep in mind, if Detroit were to retain Danny, the combo of Amendola/Jones would have the ability to help mentor Golladay/Hockenson and potentially Jeudy for one more year, and that shouldn’t go unnoticed.  It’ll be something to strongly consider.